Smaller aerospace firms boost overseas presence

MANCHESTER, Conn. (AP) — State economic development officials have used a high-profile air show in England earlier this month to help smaller aerospace companies in Connecticut do more business overseas.

The Journal Inquirer reports that Connecticut’s smaller aerospace suppliers were among big players such as United Technologies Corp. subsidiaries Pratt & Whitney and Sikorsky at England’s Farnborough air show.

Douglas Rose, president of Aero Gear Inc. in Windsor, says his company did little or no overseas business 10 years ago. He says about one-third of his company’s business is now in exports.

Rose says the trip to England was more about making contacts and seeing customers than signing contracts.

The Department of Economic and Community Development is trying to help smaller companies build a global profile. Deputy Commissioner Ronald Angelo says Connecticut has nearly 1,000 smaller aerospace suppliers.